Tyler Couple Donates $5 Million to SMU for Economics, Arts, and Athletics
The gift from Brian S. Tyler and Kristen M. Tyler establishes three permanent funds to support students and faculty at Southern Methodist University.
By Lina Lewis ·
Southern Methodist University received a $5 million gift from Brian S. Tyler and Kristen M. Tyler. The couple will use the money to create three distinct funds. These endowments will support the university's economics department, its fine arts programs, and its student athletes. The funds are designed to provide permanent financial resources for these areas.
The first fund is the Brian S. Tyler Endowed Economics Excellence Fund. It supports the Department of Economics within the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. The department focuses on training strategic leaders and industry researchers. The money will help the department recruit and retain top doctoral students. It will also strengthen faculty quality and increase the department's national profile.
Brian S. Tyler serves as the chair of the board and CEO of McKesson Corporation. He is also a trustee at SMU. He said the gift supports the community spirit of the university. "True success involves more than just having the right answer," Tyler said. He noted that the university encourages students to ask questions and faculty to challenge existing knowledge.
The second fund is the Kristen M. Tyler Endowed Master of Fine Arts Excellence Fund. This fund provides resources for students in the Meadows School of the Arts. It specifically supports those working toward Master of Fine Arts degrees. The new fund will allow the school to provide healthcare coverage to these students for the first time. It will also create flexible resources to expand student support in the future.
Kristen M. Tyler said the couple believes in the power of education. "We have always believed in the power of education and in the importance of creating a student experience marked by character development and growth," she said. She added that schools like SMU are vital for the development of future generations.
The third fund is the Tyler Family Student-Athlete Benefit Fund. This is a component of the larger SMU Student-Athlete Benefit Fund. It provides direct financial aid to student athletes. The money will expand scholarship assistance and support student athlete revenue sharing. It will also help fund Mustang Partners. This initiative guides student athletes through name, image, and likeness opportunities.
Damon Evans, the director of Athletics, said the student athletes are dedicated and hardworking. He stated that the gift underscores the role of athletics in providing an exceptional student experience. The university's new strategic framework, Mustang Charge, outlines these priorities. Shontel Grumhaus, senior vice president for Development and External Affairs, said the investment helps prepare the next generation of leaders and creative thinkers.
The gift aligns with the university's recently released strategic framework. The plan was created with input from thousands of community members. It defines the university's ambitions for the future. The funds will support the immediate priorities outlined in the Mustang Charge plan.
